Chris Coleman gives his reaction after Wales beat Slovakia 2-1 in their opening match at Euro 2016.
“What an experience. I thought this would be our biggest test in two years as a group. The support we had was incredible. You could see in the second half we sunk too deep and invited them on. To come back after they equalised in the fashion we we did was very courageous. The support we had deserved nothing less than three points. The players gave everything against a tough Slovakian team, it was a fantastic game, big three points and a big result for us.”
You talked about the players doing themselves justice before the game – and I assume you think they did exactly that?
I said before the game, whatever happens today if we got three points, one point or no points, it didn’t matter about the result because you’re not guaranteed anything. You can go home even though you might be unbeaten. That’s the way it is. We got the three points which is fantastic, but more importantly was the performance. When our supporters are like, and you play for Wales, it’s so important we give our very best because after that there’s no complaints. That’s what we got. They gave everything we had. We had to make one or two changes, especially with Rambo at the end as he covered so much ground. He covered so much ground and we shut the shop up. But, overall, every one of them was fantastic, you can’t ask for more than everything which is what they gave.
How do you feel after that?
You have experiences in football that you think you might not be able to top that. It happened against Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium when our supporters started the national anthem. Didn’t think you’d be able to top that but you walk out today and seeing the sea of red, they were everywhere. When the national anthem was being sung before the kick-off, that was absolutely incredible. You really have to keep your focus and detach yourself a little bit. It’s very difficult not to get carried away. It was unbelievable. I’m so delighted for our supporters, we’ve waited a long time. Getting the three points in the first game, that performance and result was what they deserved – and I hope they enjoy it.
How much of a blow was it losing Wayne Hennessey before the game and how will he be for England game?
“It was such a blow for Wayne. We always talk about Joe Allen, Balo, Ash, Rambo – the outfield players. We don’t talk about the goalkeeper but he’s a big reason why we’re sititng here. He’s missed the first game, he’s devastated, but we were not in a position where we couldt take a chance with him. He tweaked his back and was in no condition to play. He’s had it before and he has recovered quite quickly, so we’re hoping over the next 24-48 hours we will monitor it and see. Hopefully he can play some part on Thursday. But Danny Ward stepped up and he’s only got two caps, two 45 minutes, and to come in to that atmosphere and perform like that, I thought he was outstanding.
How do you approach England now?
When we’re at our best and we give our very best, then we don’t need to be concerned who the opposition is. Just need to be concerned with ourselves and we know we can give anyone a game. If we bring our best for the next challenge, we will do what we have done for the last two years. I won’t play mind games, I won’t toy about with the formation, Roy’s too experienced to fall for that nonsense. We’ll do what we’ve been doing, no need for us to change. We know it’s going to be big challenge and a big test but it’s one we’ll be ready for.
Is your message to kick on from here now?
We’ll enjoy these moments in this competition if we do what we did today. That’s what it’s all about. It’s not coming here and enjoying it and going home making excuses about it being our first tournament. There’s nothing to be afraid of, sometimes you are afraid of the unknown. But we just have to go about our business. If we do that in the next game and the one after that, there’s every chance that we will get what we need. We know we’re up against it in the next game. We are the underdogs, England are a top 10 team, and they are used to high pressure situations. They have been there before, we haven’t, but that could work to our advantage. We don’t need to fear anybody. If we are ourselves in can be enough to get what we want.
How is Jonny Williams able to adapt to international football?
“He loves international football. Some do well domestically but the international stage is too much for them. Not Jonny. He was brilliant today, he’s not the biggest but he epitomises us when we’re at our best. He empties when he puts the shirt on. That’s why the fans have taken to him and he’s a good, little player. Won free-kicks and he was a thorn in the side of Slovakia. He understands what we need, what we want and what’s asked. Always delivers for us. The way we play suits Jonny and the taks for Jonny is to play 20-25 games in a season for someone and then you’ll see him do well domestically. But he’s different class when he’s with us.
What is the Importance of Gareth Bale?
Everyone will look at his goal, fast and powerful, but some of his best moments were at the end of the game at 2-1 and he used his intelligence. He was basically heading the ball out of play to waste time. It wasn’t pretty but he gave everything for the win for Wales. He knew it wasn’t about Gareth Bale, it is about Wales. We know that he can score a free-kick like that, know what he’s capable of. You can see his passion and how much he feeds off our supporters. He knows what we need from him, he’s understands what it’s about and that’s why three million people love him to pieces. He deserves all that.